We are looking to renovate an existing 3 bedroom house by converting 2 of the bedrooms into extra living space, (one into an ensuite and the other informal living). We then have the ability to add 2 or 3 new bedrooms in a currently unutilised downstairs area, ultimately resulting in a 3 or 4 bedroom house, (with a separate study).

However, if we go for 4 bedrooms, 2 of them will be quite small, whereas if we only go for 3, they will all be a reasonably good size. Purely from a re-sale perspective, would it be better to go for 4 small bedrooms or 3 good sized ones?

I am interested in buying and living in a 2 bed unit in Dee Why. My budget is $350-$400K can I ask you your opinion of Dee Why as a suburb and also a prediction of Dee Whys unit prices going forward?

I know Dee Why is unit city but reading your article about finding the next Paddington my gut feeling is with its new proposed town centre, existing cafe scene & beautiful beach I think Dee Why will be a good performer.

Hi John

I am looking to open a real estate agency and understand I need to be different than what is currently in the market. I am wanting to open a total services real estate company that is young and fresh.

In terms of names and branding I noticed that McGraths and Oxygen are marketed differently to the same market and woulkd like to know your opinion on branding for the future for real estate companies.

Regards

Peter

Hi John,

We purchased our place in mid 2007, have had plans approved to go up and add 2 bedrooms, study and a bathroom. Current layout is 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom and study (or 4 bedrooms).

With a price tag of $300k for renovations, do you believe it is better to onsell the place with the plans than go through the hassle of the reno given an 18 month cycle from build to sell, given the market may be flat?

Thanks.

Justin
 

Hi John
 

Could you please give me some idea's for reading material in regards to real estate, closing and motivation. I have been in sales industry now for about 3 years and have now just recently become an agent. I love the challenges of my position and find that working in this market is a blessing, as it challenges you to be the best that you can.

I enjoy reading, but found that when i went to the bookstore yesterday nothing really caught my eye. I ended up leaving with 'Trump- Think big and kick ass" which is proving to be a great read. It would be great if you could name maybe some of your most beneficial reads.

Kind Regards,
Lisa